To get oil out of clothes effectively, follow these steps:
- Blot Excess Oil
Use a paper towel or cloth to gently blot and absorb as much excess oil as possible without rubbing it deeper into the fabric
- Apply an Absorbent Powder
Sprinkle baking soda generously over the stain to absorb the oil. Let it sit for several hours or overnight until it clumps, indicating it has absorbed the oil. Reapply if needed until no more oil is absorbed
- Pretreat with Dish Soap
Apply liquid dishwashing detergent directly to the stain. Dish soap is designed to cut through grease and works well on oil stains. Rub it gently into the fabric using your fingers or a soft brush like a toothbrush. Let it soak for about 10 minutes
- Rinse with Warm or Hot Water
Rinse the treated area with the warmest water safe for the fabric, as warm water helps liquefy and remove oil better than cold water
- Wash Normally
Machine wash the garment using the warmest water recommended on the care label and your regular laundry detergent. Avoid using the dryer until you are sure the stain is gone, as heat can set the stain permanently
- Air Dry
Line dry the garment to prevent heat from setting any remaining stain. If the stain persists after washing, repeat the treatment before drying
Additional tips:
- Use a piece of cardboard behind the stain while treating to prevent oil from spreading
- Avoid rubbing the stain aggressively to prevent pushing oil deeper into fibers
- Hairspray is generally not recommended due to reduced alcohol content in modern formulations and lack of reliable evidence for effectiveness
This method combining blotting, baking soda absorption, dish soap pretreatment, and warm washing is widely recommended and effective for removing oil stains from clothes
